Apple is preparing a renewed push into the smart home market with a long-rumored hub designed to serve as the centerpiece of its ecosystem, according to reports. The device, expected to debut later this year alongside a refreshed Apple TV and an updated HomePod mini, will run a new operating system built on tvOS but incorporate interface elements from watchOS and iOS.
Two versions in development
Bloomberg reports that Apple is developing two variants of the smart home hub. The first, codenamed J490, features a 7-inch display mounted on a half-dome-shaped base, making it suitable for placement on kitchen counters, bedside tables, or desks. The second, codenamed J491, is designed for wall mounting and will include a new magnetic mounting system.
The device is expected to use facial recognition to identify users, estimate their distance from the display, and dynamically personalize the interface. Depending on who is standing in front of it, the device could surface relevant information—calendars, reminders, notes, smart home controls—adjusted for preferred layout and font size.
A central command for the smart home
The device is positioned as the hub for Apple’s smart home ecosystem. It will support FaceTime calls, home security monitoring, and an intercom feature for communicating between rooms. Users will also be able to control compatible smart home accessories, manage connected appliances, browse photos, check schedules, and stream music.
Related: Silent Hill 2 Exhibit Opens Tokyo Worldwide Merch
Apple is targeting a launch window between October and early next year. If released, it would mark Apple’s most direct attempt yet to compete with Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub.
Beyond the initial models, Apple is said to be exploring more ambitious concepts, including a version with a robotic arm that could physically reposition the display to follow users around a room. The company is also reportedly developing a dedicated in-home security camera, though details remain scarce.
The timing of the launch suggests Apple is betting on Siri AI slated to debut later this year to enhance the device’s capabilities. For now, the project remains under wraps, with no official confirmation from Apple. But if the reports are accurate, the smart home hub could become a key part of the company’s strategy to expand beyond phones and computers.
